WEST COVINA - Ex-NFL defensive back Darryll Lamont Lewis was charged Wednesday with leading police on a chase in the San Gabriel Valley, while under the influence, after allegedly failing to pull over for a carpool violation.

Lewis, 36, was expected to be arraigned tomorrow in West Covina Superior Court on one count each of felony evading police and possession of a controlled substance.

Lewis, who was being held on $85,000 bail, also faces one misdemeanor count each of resisting arrest, being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of a smoking device.

If convicted, he faces nearly four years in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Authorities said it took five California Highway Patrol officers to wrestle Lewis to the ground following the televised pursuit, which began just before 4 p.m. Monday on the northbound San Gabriel River (605) Freeway near Rose Hills Road in Pico Rivera.

"Of all the people I've ever had to wrestle with, this was the hardest," CHP Sgt. Steve Licon told reporters. "He was literally carrying us."

Officers allegedly found methamphetamine in Lewis' vehicle.

Lewis was a football standout at Nogales High School in Valinda and the University of Arizona before being chosen by the Houston Oilers in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft, the 38th overall selection.

He played with the Houston/Tennessee Oilers from 1991-98 and was chosen to play in the Pro Bowl following the 1995 season. Lewis completed his NFL career by playing for the San Diego Chargers from 1999-2000.